Do I need to outsource, or can I get someone who just speaks the language?

How will I know that it says exactly what I want it to say?

Which are normal concerns to have. Trust me, I deal with them every day. And it’s always worrying to know if your money is going in the right place.

But it doesn’t have to be. At least not any more.

In this article I want to show you what I’ve learned from working with hundred’s of Translators over the years.

You’ll see what habits make up a highly effective translator, and what you should be looking for in them. And where you can hire them.

Sound good?

#1: They Make It Fit For Purpose

Languages aren’t a straight swap word-for-word . Unlike what Google Translate would have you believe.

When you try it that way, it comes out like something you’d hear on the way home from the pub at 4am. Something that you think you understand, but doesn’t really make sense.

Effective Translators recognise this and approach it in a ‘functional’ manner. Making the text say what you’re trying to say as clearly, and simply, as possible.

That means you never have to worry about someone getting the wrong end of the stick.

#2: They Don’t Hijack Your Text

Translation is always open to interpretation. Like I just mentioned, it’s all about being fit for purpose.

But, that comes with it’s own problems.

Some translators and interpreters change words to fit their worldview and convey their own messages or beliefs. Even just the slightest tweak can be the difference between someone understanding what you’re saying – and becoming offended.

Effective ones can separate themselves from what’s being said. Because they know it isn’t being translated for them; it’s being translated for you.

And you want clear, crisp translation that says what you want it to say. After all, that’s why you hired them, right?

#3: They’re Constantly Growing And Changing

Have you ever heard the old police cliché, “Crime doesn’t take a vacation”?

It’s something people used to say to me whenever I tried to book any holidays when I was in the police.

But, in a way, it’s true. Crime never stops. Which is why research and development for the police is such a big player.